"If you want to die, go try it yourself!"
"That man may have already grasped Conqueror's Haki Infusion by now."
"Remember what I said. If anyone dares provoke Lorne, I'll kill them myself before they drag the entire family down with them!"
While the giants of the New World pursued their own schemes and laid deadly traps, the Fearless had already slipped silently through the mist of the Calm Belt.
"Boss, unidentified ship spotted ahead!"
Bakel's voice came from the lookout tower, carrying a hint of wariness.
"The flag has a huge skull with crossed bones on either side. That's... The Brutal Pirates' ship, with a bounty of 280 million!"
Lorne rose from his deck chair and stretched his slightly stiff neck, the crisp cracking of his bones distinct over the tranquil sea.
"280 million?"
"Not even enough to fill a gap between my teeth, but it'll barely pass as an appetizer for my return to the battlefield."
At the edge of their vision, a black pirate ship flying an enormous skull flag was bearing straight down on them, its menacing gunports slowly opening.
"Listen up, warship!"
"I'm Barlo, The Brutal! Get out of my way if you know what's good for you, or I'll feed every last one of you to the fish!"
Arrogant shouts rang out from the pirate ship.
Lorne took a step forward, his whole body like a blade drawn from its sheath, golden Grit flames soaring into the sky.
"Ryan, Bakel, Kuina, stay aboard and watch."
"I'll take this first fight."
Lorne stepped onto the gunwale. Golden flames spread along his arms to his shoulders, and the sea wind whipped violently around him.
At the bow of the black pirate ship opposite them, a burly man stood with his hands on his hips, laughing at